Considerations for treating children with cancer

  • Paediatric cancer accounts for less than 5% of all cancers and has a survival rate of over 80%
  • The types of childhood cancers are different to those seen in adults, with Leukemia being the most commonly diagnosed cancer in children
  • The impact of paediatric cancer and its associated treatments can be lifelong. Negative effects include reduced physical function and fitness, osteoporosis, cardiac dysfunction, fatigue, anxiety, metabolic syndromes, sedentary lifestyles and reduced overall health related quality of life
  • Undergoing treatment for paediatric cancer has the potential to disrupt a child’s physical development
  • Children receiving treatment for cancer are less physically active than their age matched peers. This can be a result of the adverse physical effects of cancer treatment, as well as being isolated from peers, having reduced access to physical activities typical for their age and loss of motivation
  • Physical activity is essential for a child’s development and holds many potential benefits for children with cancer
  • Although still an emerging field of research, evidence suggests that physical activity interventions for children with cancer can help:
    • Reduce sedentary time
    • Improve physical outcomes (e.g. improved level of fatigue, improved body composition and fitness)
    • Improve psychological outcomes (e.g. improved mood, confidence and health-related quality of life)
  • Ideas to engage children with cancer in physical activity include:
    • Make it fun, motivating and play based
    • Individualise activities based on interests, developmental stage and ability
    • Involve family and friends
    • Build confidence in positive movement experiences
    • Allow children to make their own choices and feel in control
    • Alter the environment to promote greater opportunity for physical activity
    • Consider using technology to encourage self-monitoring behaviour
    • Tailor the physical activity intervention according to where a child is on the cancer treatment continuum
      • On treatment:
        • AIM: minimise the negative physical effects of cancer treatment and maximise participation in physical activity
        • HOW: identify and treat physical impairments, provide opportunity and motivation for physical activity
      • Off treatment:
        • AIM: re-build fitness and physical function and support re-integration and maintenance of an active lifestyle
        • HOW: monitor and treat lasting physical impairments, provide support to re-engage in school, sport and leisure activities